Based on the functions they perform, words fall under different parts of speech. We will in this article find out whether the word “famous” is an adjective, a noun or an adverb.
The word “famous” is an adjective. A word which gives any detail or information about the nouns or noun phrases in a sentence is nothing but an adjective. Adjectives can describe or modify singular or plural naming words (people, things, animals, places, ideas).
Let us now read through the article to know why the word “famous” is an adjective, with the aid of five different facts, several examples and suitable explanations.
When is “famous” an adjective?
The word “famous” is an adjective. Here, let us find out at what places or situations (when) the word “famous” will function as an adjective.
The table below will list the instances when the word “famous” takes up the role of an adjective.
| Instances When “Famous” Is An Adjective | Examples | Explanations |
| 1. When used to tell about how well known, popular, or renowned a naming word (noun or noun phrase) is | This shop is famous for the desserts it sells. | In this sentence, the word “famous” is modifying the naming word ‘shop’ (a place). It is telling to us that the shop is well known or popular for the desserts it sells, thus performing the role of an adjective. |
| 2. When to tell that a naming word is excellent or outstanding | Last evening, Ruhan performed a famous performance. | Here, in this sentence, the word “famous” is qualifying the naming word ‘performance’. It is telling to us that Ruhan’s performance was outstanding, extraordinary and excellent, thereby taking up the role of an adjective. |
Is “famous” a descriptive adjective?
We all know that there are different types of adjectives such as descriptive, demonstrative, quantitative etc. We will here find out if “famous” is a descriptive adjective.
The word “famous” is a descriptive adjective. Well, descriptive adjectives are adjectives that reveal the nature, characteristic feature, behavior, state of mind and so on of a person, animal, place, idea, situation, thought, or thing by describing or modifying them.
Example: Suha’s dream is to become a famous painter.
In the above sentence, the word “famous” is an adjective. To be more precise, “famous” is a descriptive adjective as it is modifying the naming word “painter” (a person) by telling us that Suha’s dream is to be a painter who’s nature is well known and popular.
When is “famous” a descriptive adjective?
The adjective “famous” is a descriptive adjective when it is stating to us the popular, renowned, eminent, acclaimed, excellent, outstanding, or great nature or characteristic feature of an individual, place, thing, idea, animal and so on.
The examples listed below in the tabular column will give us a better understanding about the usage of the word “famous” as a descriptive adjective.
| Examples | Usage Of “Famous” As A Descriptive Adjective |
| 1. The famous temple of this city is one of the oldest temples in India. | In this sentence, the attributive descriptive adjective “famous” is used to tell us the well known and famed nature of the temple of the city by modifying the naming word ‘temple’ (a place). |
| 2. Ooty is famous for its amazing weather, aromatic tea plantations and scenic places. | The predicative descriptive adjective “famous” in this sentence is describing the naming word ‘Ooty’ (a place) by revealing to us that Ooty is popular and renowned for its amazing weather, aromatic tea plantation and scenic places. |
| 3. This is a famous spot to click scenic and wildlife photos. | “Famous” is functioning as an attributive descriptive adjective in this sentence as it is modifying the naming word ‘spot’ (a place) located right next to it. The descriptive adjective “famous” here tell to us that ‘this’ is an excellent and outstanding spot to click wildlife and scenic photos. |
| 4. Dan Brown, the famous thriller novelist, is widely read by almost all people who like thriller and adventure novels. | The attributive descriptive adjective “famous” in this sentence is qualifying the naming word ‘novelist’ (a place) by revealing to us that Dan Brown is a very popular, well known and renowned thriller novelist and he is widely read by lovers of thriller and adventure novels. |
| 5. India is very famous for its culture, heritage and hospitality. | The predicative descriptive adjective “famous” in this sentence is utilized to qualify the naming word ‘India’ (a place – a country) by stating to us India’s nature of being celebrated, popular and eminent for its culture, heritage and hospitality. |
| 6. Taj Mahal, the most famous tourist place of Agra, is also one among the seven world wonders. | “Famous” is taking up the role of an attributive descriptive adjective in this sentence to tell to us about the nature of Taj Mahal being known by all and quite popular. “Famous” is used here in its superlative form ‘most famous’ to denote that Taj Mahal is the most popular tourist place of Agra. |
| 7. The team’s continuous hard work and efforts led to the famous victory. | The attributive descriptive adjective “famous” in this sentence is utilized in order to describe the naming word ‘victory’. The descriptive adjective “famous” here is telling to us that the team’s victory is of outstanding and excellent nature and it is only because of their continuous hard work and efforts. |
While some adjectives can also function as nouns when they are used for naming purposes, let us here get to know whether “famous” can be a noun.
“Famous” is not a noun since it does not name any place, thing, person or an abstract idea or thought. ‘Fame’ is a noun since it names the abstract feeling of being popular or well known to many people. “Famous” is the adjective form of the abstract noun ‘fame’.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. The Shiva Trilogy turned out to be the most famous work of the Indian writer Amish Tripathi. | In this sentence, the word “famous” is an adjective and not a noun as it is not naming any person, feeling, idea or thing. Instead the adjective “famous” is qualifying the naming word ‘work’ (a thing) by telling us that, ‘The Shiva Trilogy’ turned out to be the most popular and well known work of Amish Tripathi, the Indian writer. |
| 2. It was this book that brought Sunil fame and recognition. | In this sentence, the word ‘fame’ is a noun as it is naming the abstract feeling of Sunil being well known by everyone because of ‘this book’. |
Is “famous” an adverb?
Any word which gives us information about a verb, adverb or an adjective is called as an adverb. Let us find out whether the word “famous” does this function.
The word “famous” is not an adverb as it does not modify an action word (verb), adjective or another adverb by telling extra information about them. However, the word ‘famously’ is an adverb as it tells us about adjectives or actions that are excellently done, state of being very friendly, that are widely popular.
| Examples | Explanations |
| 1. This hotel is famous for it’s authentic continental and Chinese cuisine. | In this sentence, the word “famous” is not an adverb but an adjective since it is giving extra information about the naming word (noun) ‘hotel’ (a place) by telling us that the hotel is acclaimed or popular for its authentic continental and Chinese cuisine. |
| 2. Ruhi and Sudha got along famously with each other since their first meeting. | In this sentence, the word ‘famously’ is an adverb since it is giving us extra information of how friendly Ruhi and Sudha were with each other by modifying the phrasal verb ‘got along’. |
Conclusion
Thus, this article clearly explains in detail why and how the word “famous” is an adjective and not a noun or an adverb.
Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Miss Cayla Reichel
Score: 4.1/5
(68 votes)
Well known. In the public eye. «Some people are only famous within their city.»
What is the adjective form of famous?
British Dictionary definitions for famous
famous. / (ˈfeɪməs) / adjective. known to or recognized by many people; renowned.
Is popular an adjective?
The adjective popular describes something that is well-liked or admired by a lot of people. Sometimes when you read a bestselling novel, you wonder why it’s so popular. Popular comes from the Latin word populus, which means people.
What part of speech is famous?
The word ‘famous’ is an adjective. Adjectives are words that modify nouns or pronouns.
Is known a adjective?
known adjective [not gradable] (HAVE UNDERSTANDING)
45 related questions found
Is know a noun or verb?
As detailed above, ‘know’ can be a noun or a verb. Verb usage: I know that I’m right and you’re wrong. Verb usage: He knew something terrible was going to happen. Verb usage: I know your mother, but I’ve never met your father.
What kind of verb is known?
past participle of know1.
What is the noun of famous?
The noun form of famous is fame. (2)
Is famous a adjective or noun?
Well known. In the public eye. «Some people are only famous within their city.»
What is the adjective for beautiful?
alluring, attractive, gorgeous, charming, elegant, exquisite, handsome, pretty, ravishing, striking, stunning, angelic, appealing, cute, fine, good-looking, graceful, grand, lovely, physically attractive, pleasing, pulchritudinous, sexy, sublime, aesthetically appealing, aesthetically pleasing, beauteous, bewitching, …
What is a adjective for good?
great, satisfying, exceptional, positive, acceptable, satisfactory, valuable, superb, marvelous, bad, wonderful, favorable, excellent, respectable, honest, useful, talented, efficient, reliable, able.
What is the adjective for fashion?
In style; fashionable.
What are the different types of adjectives?
Common types of adjectives
- Comparative adjectives.
- Superlative adjectives.
- Predicate adjectives.
- Compound adjectives.
- Possessive adjectives.
- Demonstrative adjectives.
- Proper adjectives.
- Participial adjectives.
What are adjectives give 10 examples?
Examples of adjectives
- They live in a beautiful house.
- Lisa is wearing a sleeveless shirt today. This soup is not edible.
- She wore a beautiful dress.
- He writes meaningless letters.
- This shop is much nicer.
- She wore a beautiful dress.
- Ben is an adorable baby.
- Linda’s hair is gorgeous.
Is the word clever an adjective?
adjective, clev·er·er, clev·er·est. mentally bright; having sharp or quick intelligence; able.
Is the word most an adjective?
adjective, superlative of much or many, with more as comparative. in the greatest quantity, amount, measure, degree, or number: to win the most votes.
Is big a common noun?
As detailed above, ‘big’ can be a noun or an adjective. Adjective usage: Elephants are big animals, and they eat a lot. … Adjective usage: Kids should get help from big people if they want to use the kitchen.
Is the word new an adjective?
New has several other senses as an adjective, adverb, and a noun. If something is new, it has only been around for a short time. This sense of new is the opposite of old. … New also describes something that just now exists for the first time.
What type of noun is wisdom?
a) wisdom — common; strength — abstract — This option suggests that wisdom is a common noun, and that strength is an abstract noun. Wisdom cannot be a common noun, as it is not a physical entity.
What are 10 common nouns?
Examples of a Common Noun
- People: mother, father, baby, child, toddler, teenager, grandmother, student, teacher, minister, businessperson, salesclerk, woman, man.
- Animals: lion, tiger, bear, dog, cat, alligator, cricket, bird, wolf.
- Things: table, truck, book, pencil, iPad, computer, coat, boots,
What is the noun for amazing?
(uncountable) The condition of being amazed; overwhelming wonder, as from surprise, sudden fear, horror, or admiration; astonishment. (countable, archaic) A particular feeling of wonder, surprise, fear, or horror. (countable, dated) Something which amazes.
What is the noun for strong?
Answer: Strength is the noun form of strong. It is an abstract noun. Strength is the common noun form of strong.
What is the verb of talk?
(Entry 1 of 2) intransitive verb. 1a : to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words. b : to convey information or communicate in any way (as with signs or sounds) can make a trumpet talk make the computer talk to the printer.
What are verb give 10 examples?
What are verb give 10 examples?
- Anthony is throwing the football.
- She accepted the job offer.
- He thought about his stupid mistake in the test.
- John visited his friend for a while and then went home.
- The dog ran across the yard.
- She left in a hurry.
- She yelled when she hit her toe.
- The cat sat by the window.
What is the verb form of invitation?
«Invite» is a verb, not a noun. The noun version is «invitaion» (sic), as in did you receive the invitation to the meeting. … I had always been taught that «invitation» was the noun and «to invite» was the verb. In the U.S., at least, it appears that proper English usage is quickly deteriorating.
What is the adjective word for famous?
Some common synonyms of famous are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned.
What is the adjective of Fame?
Famous is an adjective of fame. Explanation: The word fame can have ‘famous’ as its adjective. This word can also have other adjectives like renowned, celebrated, prominent, etc.
What is the abstract noun of known?
Answer. The abstract noun of know is knowledge.
What type of noun is famous?
Originally Answered: Why the word “famous” is not a noun? The word ‘famous’ is actually an adjective and it is derived from the noun-fame. You call Solomon famous for something that is wisdom. Wisdom is a non that is derived from the adjective ‘wise’.
Is famous a noun or a verb?
adjective. having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated: a famous writer.
Is the word beauty an abstract noun?
Abstract nouns are nouns that cannot be seen or touched. They are things like ideas, feelings or emotions. For example: love, happiness, excitement, criticism, reason, strength, morning, afternoon, beauty.
Is banana a concrete noun?
Because Banana is a common noun. Proper noun or you say CONCRETE noun., clear? Hope it works.
Is Eiffel Tower a concrete noun?
The name ”Eiffel Tower” is a proper noun and specifically references a national monument in Paris, France.
How do you identify a concrete noun?
A concrete noun is a noun that can be identified through one of the five senses (taste, touch, sight, hearing, or smell). Consider the examples below: Would someone please answer the phone ? In the sentence above, the noun phone is a concrete noun: you can touch it, see it, hear it, and maybe even smell it or taste it.
What are 5 abstract nouns?
Examples of abstract nouns include liberty, anger, freedom, love, generosity, charity, and democracy. Notice that these nouns express ideas, concepts, or qualities that cannot be seen or experienced. We cannot see, hear, touch, taste, or smell these concepts.
Is fun an abstract noun?
It is the situation or the act of being funny. An ‘abstract noun’ is a state or a quality of something. Funniness implies the state of being funny. Other ‘abstract nouns’ for funny include amusement, comical, happiness, hilarious, humorous.
How do you identify an abstract noun in a sentence?
Abstract nouns are words that name things that are not concrete. Your five physical senses cannot detect an abstract noun – you can’t see it, smell it, taste it, hear it, or touch it. In essence, an abstract noun is a quality, a concept, an idea, or maybe even an event.
Is silence an abstract noun?
Answer. Silence” is Abstract noun. Words such as “silence” and “laughter” are the abstract nouns.
What is the abstract of silent?
Answer. Abstract noun for silent is silence and speak is speaking.
What is the abstract noun of happy?
Happiness
The adjective popular describes something that is well-liked or admired by a lot of people. Sometimes when you read a bestselling novel, you wonder why it’s so popular. Popular comes from the Latin word populus, which means people.
What part of speech is famous?
The word ‘famous’ is an adjective. Adjectives are words that modify nouns or pronouns.
Is known a adjective?
known adjective (HAVE UNDERSTANDING)
Is know a noun or verb?
As detailed above, ‘know’ can be a noun or a verb. Verb usage: I know that I’m right and you’re wrong. Verb usage: He knew something terrible was going to happen. Verb usage: I know your mother, but I’ve never met your father.
What kind of verb is known?
past participle of know1.
What is the noun of famous?
The noun form of famous is fame. (2)
Is famous a adjective or noun?
Well known. In the public eye. “Some people are only famous within their city.”
What is the adjective for beautiful?
alluring, attractive, gorgeous, charming, elegant, exquisite, handsome, pretty, ravishing, striking, stunning, angelic, appealing, cute, fine, good-looking, graceful, grand, lovely, physically attractive, pleasing, pulchritudinous, sexy, sublime, aesthetically appealing, aesthetically pleasing, beauteous, bewitching, …
What is a adjective for good?
great, satisfying, exceptional, positive, acceptable, satisfactory, valuable, superb, marvelous, bad, wonderful, favorable, excellent, respectable, honest, useful, talented, efficient, reliable, able.
What is the adjective for fashion?
In style; fashionable.
What are the different types of adjectives?
Common types of adjectives
- Comparative adjectives.
- Superlative adjectives.
- Predicate adjectives.
- Compound adjectives.
- Possessive adjectives.
- Demonstrative adjectives.
- Proper adjectives.
- Participial adjectives.
What are adjectives give 10 examples?
Examples of adjectives
- They live in a beautiful house.
- Lisa is wearing a sleeveless shirt today. This soup is not edible.
- She wore a beautiful dress.
- He writes meaningless letters.
- This shop is much nicer.
- She wore a beautiful dress.
- Ben is an adorable baby.
- Linda’s hair is gorgeous.
Is the word clever an adjective?
adjective, clev·er·er, clev·er·est. mentally bright; having sharp or quick intelligence; able.
Is the word most an adjective?
adjective, superlative of much or many, with more as comparative. in the greatest quantity, amount, measure, degree, or number: to win the most votes.
Is big a common noun?
As detailed above, ‘big’ can be a noun or an adjective. Adjective usage: Elephants are big animals, and they eat a lot. … Adjective usage: Kids should get help from big people if they want to use the kitchen.
Is the word new an adjective?
New has several other senses as an adjective, adverb, and a noun. If something is new, it has only been around for a short time. This sense of new is the opposite of old. … New also describes something that just now exists for the first time.
What type of noun is wisdom?
a) wisdom – common; strength – abstract – This option suggests that wisdom is a common noun, and that strength is an abstract noun. Wisdom cannot be a common noun, as it is not a physical entity.
What are 10 common nouns?
Examples of a Common Noun
- People: mother, father, baby, child, toddler, teenager, grandmother, student, teacher, minister, businessperson, salesclerk, woman, man.
- Animals: lion, tiger, bear, dog, cat, alligator, cricket, bird, wolf.
- Things: table, truck, book, pencil, iPad, computer, coat, boots,
What is the noun for amazing?
(uncountable) The condition of being amazed; overwhelming wonder, as from surprise, sudden fear, horror, or admiration; astonishment. (countable, archaic) A particular feeling of wonder, surprise, fear, or horror. (countable, dated) Something which amazes.
What is the noun for strong?
Answer: Strength is the noun form of strong. It is an abstract noun. Strength is the common noun form of strong.
What is the verb of talk?
(Entry 1 of 2) intransitive verb. 1a : to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words. b : to convey information or communicate in any way (as with signs or sounds) can make a trumpet talk make the computer talk to the printer.
What are verb give 10 examples?
What are verb give 10 examples?
- Anthony is throwing the football.
- She accepted the job offer.
- He thought about his stupid mistake in the test.
- John visited his friend for a while and then went home.
- The dog ran across the yard.
- She left in a hurry.
- She yelled when she hit her toe.
- The cat sat by the window.
What is the verb form of invitation?
“Invite” is a verb, not a noun. The noun version is “invitaion” (sic), as in did you receive the invitation to the meeting. … I had always been taught that “invitation” was the noun and “to invite” was the verb. In the U.S., at least, it appears that proper English usage is quickly deteriorating.
Related QnA:
1
a
: widely known
a restaurant famous for its French cuisine
b
: honored for achievement
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for famous
renowned implies more glory and acclamation.
one of the most renowned figures in sports history
celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.
the most celebrated beauty of her day
noted suggests well-deserved public attention.
notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.
distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.
a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize
eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.
the country’s most eminent writers
illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.
Example Sentences
a book about some of the most famous people of the last century
the review gushed that the restaurant offered some truly famous Southern-style cooking
Recent Examples on the Web
Recently, the brand announced the Ruggable x Jean-Michael Basquiat Collection, where many of the artist’s most famous works can be found in a number of contemporary rug styles.
—
John Thompson, menshealth.com, 5 Apr. 2023
In 2021, scientists from the Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom recreated the face of Ramses II, arguably ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaoh, who reigned from 1279 to 1213 BCE.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 5 Apr. 2023
Other shiba inu images have appeared in doge memes, but Kabosu is arguably the most famous.
—Julian Mark, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Apr. 2023
The most famous video game designer in the world is sitting meditatively in a drab studio in Burbank.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 4 Apr. 2023
The Louisville men’s basketball team will be put to the test early in Year 2 under Kenny Payne at one of the world’s most famous venues.
—The Courier-Journal, 4 Apr. 2023
An iconic role which spawned one of the most famous movie posters ever.
—Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2023
Lastly, Waiʻoli Beach Park, located along the southern part of Hanalei Bay, is home to one of Hawaii’s most famous surf breaks: Pine Trees.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2023
The auction house has gathered an impressive array of 99 cars, many with competition provenance, like the world’s most famous Austin Healey—known as URX—previously featured by Robb Report on March 13.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘famous.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin famosus, from fama fame
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of famous was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near famous
Cite this Entry
“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/famous. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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Last Updated:
6 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences
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